Author's Note: So, I already had this written out…it's not as long as my usual chapters but I felt this was a nice place to end. Also, after this chapter – this story will pick up faster. I just wanted to lay out the back story first.

Chapter 4

Somehow, no matter what arguments we got into, right or wrong, I'm always the one to apologize first and let things pass. However, this time I'm not so sure that I can do that. I'm sitting here absentmindedly pulling at a small teddy bear that I found on the floor, I think Matsuri said its name was Koko since it's a chocolatey kind of color. She wanted so badly to talk to me, so why isn't she? She is literally sitting in front of the table, hands fidgeting with each slender finger, and eyes staring at the closed door of which she came in from. Maybe she's wondering if Matsuri would come barging in when she's speaking? Or, perhaps, maybe she is trying to keep what she is doing a secret from our friends. I'm tired of this waiting game, if she wants to talk, then she better talk. My heart can't handle anymore disappointment and heartbreak. I'm barely hanging on.

"Mei, if you want to talk about this, then I suggest you hurry up and talk because I'm going to be honest here…I don't want to be around you right now. So, if you are not going to say a single word then you need to leave. Right now." I said, voicing my feelings. I guess that I finally got her attention because now her posture has changed; sitting straight up and her beautiful lavender eyes are staring at me. Those are her most dangerous weapon. Its hypnotizing and I get lost in them…like right now. "Mei, I'm serious. I want you to leave right now." I said, snapping out of my trance.

"Yuzu…this is not what you think…" she replied, looking straight at me. "I mean, yes, I am getting married but its not a situation like you think."

"What? I don't understand what you're saying…so you're getting married but its not a situation that I'm thinking of? Mei, you're getting married. There's nothing to think of. Getting married is getting married – as in, marriage is living and loving someone for the rest of your life. There's nothing to misunderstand." I said defiantly, my voice is shaking with anger mixed with sadness. I can feel the tears beginning to present itself on the corners of my eyes. I can't believe this is happening for the second time.

"No, Yuzu! It's not like that. Takumi and I made an agreement. That's why I was at that specific café. The woman he loves owns that café and I met her." Said Mei. "We made an agreement. Yes, we will get married. However, we both have someone we love and do not ever want to let go. So, to please our families, we'll be married for 5 years…that way the Aihara Academy and Aihara Group will be financially stable and as for his side, they will be the major shareholders for the Aihara Group and his father's company will be able to eventually enter the international trading ring. After 5 years, we will amicably get a divorce."

"So…you want me to wait 5 years…?" I replied. I don't understand. She's getting married. Agreement? 5 years? What the hell? I can feel my head spinning right now.

"No! That's not what I'm saying at all! What I'm trying to explain is that we both agreed to the marriage, yes. But, we will both live in one house with our actual girlfriends. On paper and in public, he and I will be an official couple but, it will still just be you and I, as always. I will always come home to you. No one else." She said, as she moved to my side and took my hands and intertwined our fingers with each other; her face so close to mine. I felt tears dropping on our hands and I looked up, it was Mei's. Tears cascading down from those beautiful lavender eyes of hers. I shook my head and removed my hands. "So, you want me to be a shadow? Lurking in background while you and your husband shine in the spotlight and be all lovey dovey. I can't do that Mei. I can't stand someone else looking at you or touching you, let alone marry you. It literally breaks my heart Mei...Say, if I do this and put up with it for 5 years…how would I know for certain that you really will get a divorce? What if something else comes up and you must be with him longer? Or worse, what if you end up falling for him? I have seen him, Mei...he's tall, handsome, educated, and wealthy. I'm not from your world Mei…I may have the same last name but I'm not like – "Mei interjected, forcibly grabbing my hands once again as if I was going to run away.

"Stop! Stop comparing yourself to him, Yuzu. I love you. I love you even though you're a woman, that you're shorter, and that you're only in the top 20 of our class. I love you, for you. He does not even have a chance against you, my love. So, please…please stay with me, Yuzu. I cannot lose you. Its agonizing. Believe in me, as you always have." She said as she gripped our hands tighter and more tears flowed down her silky-smooth cheeks.

This is the first time Mei has ever begged and it's also the first time she has ever cried this hard, at least in front of me. I have a feeling; I'll be regretting this decision, but I just can never say "no" to this beautiful woman. Removing my hands from hers, she must've thought that I was leaving because she started to fidget in panic. With both hands, I delicately wiped away her tears and laid a gentle kiss to her forehead; knowing that always calms her down. Instinctively, Mei pulled me into a hug and wrapped her strong arms around my waist; her head against my chest and her hands gripping me tighter, as if there was no tomorrow. Just being close like this, makes my heart race and I'm 100% sure that Mei can hear it too. She always told me that listening to my heartbeat was calming for her, which I'm guessing, that is the medicine for her current state.

Mei's cries became quieter, tears slowed down, and she eased the vice-grip hold she had on me. She looked up at me and stared into my eyes causing to hypnotize me. Suddenly, lips smashed onto mine and hungrily biting down on my lower lip, her tongue gliding along my lips trying to seek entrance. I closed my eyes and granted her wish; our tongues dancing, her hands sensually running up and down my tone stomach, and lightly pinching my hips, knowing that's one of my weak spots. My lavender eye lover finally releasing me; out of breath, heart racing, and my head is spinning so fast that I don't even know what to think or be able to speak. Mei has never been this bold before nor has she ever begged the way she did, and I think this situation is what brought that out of her, finally realizing that she could possibly lose me.

"Mei, I love you. I truly do. I won't leave you. If I am what you want, then…let's try to work this out." I said after calming myself down. "But I cannot promise that I will be happy with this situation…but I'm willing to try."

Mei reached forward and once again enveloped me into a tight hug and gave me a sweet kiss on my lips, nothing like that hungry kiss we had earlier. "I love you, Yuzu. I love you so much." she whispered into my ear. This time, I will believe in her. I may regret it down the line but for now, I'll believe in her promises.